At our agency (Elk Grove PD, near Sacramento CA), our ten patrol CSOs drive marked patrol cars with the same emegerncy lighting equipment, computer, and tools the sworn officers use. We use marked patrol cars because we respond to traffic collisions, report calls, and other dispatched calls for service. A marked unit also shows a greater police presence roaming neighborhoods. We don't drive Code 3 (lights & siren), but we do use the lights to block traffic, etc.

For more information about our CSO program, you can contact me at 916-478-8163.

Not sure what exactly the law is pertaining to CSO driving a marked vehicle. At my department we drive a fully marked vehicle with red/blue lights, sirens, radios etc. The only difference is CSO is witten on the back of the vehicle. If the vehicle is down, a unmarked vehicle is provided, fully equiped.